The University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Residential Colleges community has raised a record-breaking $10,713 for the Leukaemia Foundation through the 2026 World’s Greatest Shave, supporting Australians affected by blood cancer.
Held in April at Steele Rudd College in Toowoomba, the event saw 16 UniSQ students ditch their locks by shaving or cutting their hair in support of the 150,000 Australians currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Their efforts quickly grew into a historic achievement as they smashed their goal and raised almost $11,000 – their highest World’s Greatest Shave fundraising result ever.
UniSQ engineering student Oscar Dalgliesh was among those who took part, bravely shaving his hair and raising over $1,400 of the team’s total.
“Being a student, I don’t have a lot of spare funds. This gave me a way to contribute by rallying others to donate and support a cause that has such an impact,” he said.
“Seven students chose to donate their hair, which will be used to create wigs for people undergoing cancer treatment.
“It was really special to see these students sacrifice something by choice to give someone something that they lost without a choice.”
UniSQ Senior Manager (Students) and Head of Residential Colleges Michelle Pearce said the extraordinary result reflected the heart of Residential Colleges life.
“It was incredibly moving to watch our residents end up with less and less hair while their fundraising total kept climbing,” she said.
“Every dollar raised represented the incredible generosity of our community and seeing them not only reach but exceed their $10,000 goal was a really proud moment.
“Their efforts have already made a huge difference, and we look forward to seeing them build on their success in the years ahead.”
For over 27 years, the World’s Greatest Shave has been changing the lives of Australians facing blood cancer.
Thanks to the UniSQ Residential Colleges community, the funds will go directly to the Leukaemia Foundation to support life-changing research and provide vital care for patients and their families.
